Saints smash Wigan again

Wigan had Michael McIlorum sent off as they suffered yet again at the hands of arch rivals St Helens, going down to a 46-12 defeat at the JJB Stadium.

Sean Long was once again the thorn in the side of his former club, scoring a try and kicking six goals on his 300th appearance for the Saints.

A 15th successive win was on the cards as early as the sixth minute for Daniel Anderson's side, who were already a try up by the time the Warriors were reduced to 12 men.

McIlorum was given his marching orders by referee Ashley Klein for a high shot on Ade Gardner, leaving his side with a monumental task against their in-form opponents.

Threatened

They briefly threatened to make a game of it when Gareth Hock offloaded for Thomas Leuluai to make it 12-6, Cameron Phelps slotting over the conversion in place of the ill Pat Richards.

At that point early tries from Lee Gilmour and a trademark close range finish from Keiron Cunningham meant Saints held a slender lead, though by the half time interval the game was as good as over.

Wigan's ill-discipline cost them dear again when some back chat gave away a penalty deep in their own territory that ended up with James Roby squeezing his way over.

The visitors crossed for a fourth time just before the hooter when Gardner was left with a simple run-in on the right. To make matters even worse for the hosts, Richie Mathers was placed on report for a shoulder charge on Gilmour in the build-up.

Despite their comfortable cushion at the break Saints showed no mercy on their neighbours, running in a further four tries in the second half.

Jon Wilkin capitalised on a loose pass to hack onwards before sliding onto the loose ball over the line in front of the delighted travelling supporters.

Easy, easy

When Matt Gidley went over soon after the St Helens faithful took to mocking their opposite number with chants of 'easy, easy', safe in the knowledge their side were already certain of going two points clear at the summit.

In contrast many of the Wigan supporters decided to head for the exits to spare themselves any further agony after seeing Leon Pryce set up his half-back partner Long for a try the scrum-half deserved for his display.

The former Great Britain international had left the field by the time Gardner grabbed his second, Gidley taking over the kicking duties and knocking over a touchline conversion with some style.

Wigan at least battled on and gave their fans who had stuck around something to celebrate when Mickey Higham reached out to score under the posts.

However, a third straight defeat to Saints in 2008 - the seasonal aggregate now stands at 149-38 - is a bitter blow for coach Brian Noble with his side still stuck in fifth spot in the table following back-to-back losses.